by Patrick L. Cahalan

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piazza navona

This is a series of photos of the fountains in Piazza Navona in Rome. This is the fountain of Neptune, with him spearing an octopus with his trident. Here’s another view of the same:

Fountain of Neptune

There were 2 tricks used here. One, we got here super early, before the crowds went nanners. Which meant we left the hotel SUPER early, since we were south of the Colosseum, and it meant around a 2+ mile walk, with constant stops to photograph other stuff. Two, lots of walking around the fountains to find desirable angles.

Fountain of the Four Rivers

This is the central fountain, the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. Here’s a closeup angle on one of the sides.

Fountain of the Four Rivers

And a large-scale shot, with half the piazza in view in the background.

Fountain of the Four Rivers

And finally, the fountain at the southern end of the piazza, the Fountain of the Moor.

Fountain of the Moor

This really is a lovely location, provided you’re there when it’s not crammed like a NYC subway station. Going on weekdays will help, if you can manage it, as will waking up early. But above all go, as it’s not something to miss!

So to be cliche, when in Rome, do as they do – namely, get out and walk! Don’t bother with a cab unless you have to get to the opposite end of town quickly, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice. And for the love of God, invest in good shoes before you go. A trip to a specialty show store (REI comes to mind) is a Very Good Thing.

Once you get there, look at a guidebook of what you’re into seeing, and get going. Be leisurely! There is great stuff around every corner.

Pantheon Piazza

Stop and enjoy yourself; this is from the table as we were having an espresso at around 10am. And don’t mind if the weather is lousy (it was raining off and on this day for us); that cuts down on wimpy tourist sorts. And photographers are about the polar opposite of wimpy … usually we’re more adventurous, if not downright tresspass-y and obnoxious. After all, I got scolded for trying to lay down near the center of the Pantheon to get a wide shot of the ceiling. No clue what the guard said, but it may have been very animated Italian for “damn photographer!”

Trevi Fountain

A word of warning though: protect your valuables, including gear. Do NOT carry your passport around. And keep your wallet in a front pocket … mine was in the smartphone pocket of my jacket, just under the cross-strap I use for my camera. Non-obvious camera bags are also good – my wife had one disguised to look like a handmade leather purse. And if you can, travel with another photographer (buddy system, just like school field trips!) and switch off who shoots and who keeps an eye out for trouble.

Spanish Steps

Above all, thought, have fun! And if you end up exhausted, a cab back to your hotel (or somewhere for a drink – I recommend Scholar’s Lounge off Piazza Venetzia, best Irish Pub in Rome) is not a sinful thing. Not by a long shot.